Which one of the following is the smallest unit showing the properties of life such as capacity for metabolism, response to the environment, growth and reproduction ?

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Q: 28 (NDA-I/2015)

Which one of the following is the smallest unit showing the properties of life such as capacity for metabolism, response to the environment, growth and reproduction ?

question_subject: 

Science

question_exam: 

NDA-I

stats: 

0,22,43,26,12,5,22

keywords: 

{'smallest unit': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'nucleus': [1, 0, 1, 0], 'properties': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'metabolism': [1, 0, 2, 0], 'reproduction': [0, 0, 1, 0], 'growth': [1, 1, 1, 0], 'cell': [14, 0, 7, 16], 'chromosome': [2, 0, 0, 1], 'environment': [2, 0, 0, 3], 'capacity': [1, 2, 4, 6], 'gene': [2, 0, 0, 0], 'life': [7, 2, 2, 12], 'response': [0, 0, 0, 23]}

The correct answer is option 4, Cell.

A cell is the smallest unit showing the properties of life. Cells are the building blocks of all living organisms and have the capacity for metabolism, which refers to the chemical reactions that occur within a cell to sustain life. They also have the ability to respond to their environment, grow, and reproduce.

Let`s dissect the other options:

- Option 1, Gene: A gene is a segment of DNA that contains the instructions for building proteins. While genes play a critical role in determining the traits and characteristics of organisms, they are not considered the smallest unit showing all the properties of life.

- Option 2, Chromosome: Chromosomes are structures made up of DNA that carry genetic information. They contain many genes, but they are not considered the smallest unit showing all the properties of life.

- Option 3, Nucleus: The nucleus is a membrane-bound organelle found in eukaryotic cells. It contains the DNA of the cell but is not the smallest unit showing all the properties of life.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 4, Cell.